U.S. Rep. Heck to host Service Academy Information Night

High school students interested in attending the U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy or the U.S. Naval Academy are invited to attend an informational session this week hosted by U.S. Rep. Denny Heck, D-Olympia, whose 10th District includes Puyallup.

In order to apply to a service academy, students must secure a nomination from their congressman, who can typically send one person per academy from their district.

“Many are called and few get chosen,” Heck said. “It’s a great way to serve their country. I look for young men and women that are well-rounded — that’s important to me. I look for good students who are also good citizens.”

Heck listed a focus on academics, community service and volunteering among the traits about what he looks for in students to nominate.

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Once Heck nominates one student for each academy, the student’s admission to the academy is virtually automatic once they pass an aptitude test and a physical test.

Last year, Heck’s office received 30 applications from young adults in the 10th District.

Applicants must reside in the 10th Congressional District, be between the ages of 17 and 23 years old as of July 1 of the year of admission, and not be married.

Each applicant must submit their completed nomination package by Nov. 30 to Heck’s office in Lacey. The completed nomination application includes sealed and certified transcripts, three letters of recommendation, a resume, personal letter, a recent photograph and an official SAT or ACT score sheet.

The information session is scheduled for 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday (March 31) at Columbia Junior High School in the commons/cafeteria.

The information night will include more information about the process, an opportunity to connect with academy representatives and recent graduates of the academies as well as an opportunity to hear from Heck.